ISISS A. Parolini School Extension
The extension of ISISS A. Parolini marks a significant step in the development of the school campus, creating a contemporary educational environment carefully integrated into a site of exceptional landscape and historical quality. The campus is located along the Brenta River, adjacent to the historic Villa Gheltoff-Rubbi and its rural annexes, with the dramatic backdrop of the Massiccio del Grappa defining the horizon.
The project introduces 22 new classrooms, a laboratory, an auditorium, and a retail space for products cultivated and processed by students. The building is articulated into two distinct volumes, reducing the visual impact and defining separate functional identities. The lower volume accommodates public and communal functions, including the auditorium and retail space, making these areas accessible to both the school and the wider community. The higher volume hosts classrooms arranged along a central corridor, punctuated at either end by sculptural staircases that create double-height voids, emphasizing the spatial hierarchy and enhancing natural light penetration.
Large glazing frames key views of the surrounding landscape, establishing visual connections with both the Brenta River and the mountains. This careful positioning reinforces the dialogue between the built environment and its context, allowing interior spaces to benefit from both natural light and scenic views. The composition of the volumes, together with the arrangement of open and enclosed spaces, encourages interaction and circulation while respecting the scale and character of the surrounding heritage.
Materiality plays a central role in mediating between tradition and contemporary design. Textures, colors, and detailing were selected in collaboration with heritage authorities to echo the local architectural language of rural buildings, while maintaining a modern formal clarity. The combination of refined surfaces, linear geometry, and large transparent openings establishes a subtle balance between visual simplicity and tactile richness.
Sustainability and energy performance were integral to the design approach. The building is designed to meet NZEB standards, integrating advanced technological systems that optimize indoor microclimatic conditions and energy efficiency. Daylight, thermal comfort, and environmental quality were prioritized, ensuring a healthy and well-lit learning environment.
The overall design fosters a relationship between educational spaces and the surrounding context, offering a flexible and multifunctional environment that supports both learning and community engagement. By integrating contemporary architectural language with the heritage and landscape of the site, the extension enhances the campus while preserving its historical and environmental identity.
